Two dozen fire investigators from public and private agencies gathered in front of the Mercer Building near 11th and Howard Wednesday morning.

The process took hours as investigators went down a 9-foot deep pit, first removing gas pipes, then six commercial meters. Every step was photographed and noted by investigators, representing affected tenants and business owners.

A gas line rupture caused an explosion and fire in January that raged for hours.

Wednesday, investigators were pulling gas line equipment belonging to the Metropolitan Utilities District for further examination.

Because of pending lawsuits, many of the investigators at the scene Wednesday morning were there to observe the process, according to Jay Davis, the city of Omaha’s Superintendent of Permits and Inspections.

"Basically, as we know, lawsuits have been filed already, so everything that's done has to be done in a systematic and evidentiary collection way," Davis said.

He could not immediately say what what they will test the meters for, but did say the investigation will now be taken off site.

“What they’re going to do is start removing debris through the windows, get that out of the way. The bracing is about 90 percent complete now. Structurally, we are in a much better place than we were back in January,” Davis said.

Davis added that, depending on weather and other variables, the building could be restored in a year.

“I’m gonna say at least this time next year before these are fully operational. They may get ahead of the schedule, but when you’re working in these conditions, trying to work through these environments, you just never know,” he said.

Next steps include bracing the building and removing debris from windows. In the coming months, a roof and floors will be built.

"Obviously we have concerns. As a city, we want to get the Old Market opened back up so the businesses aren't hard to get to. We want to get streets opened up the best we can, but all of it takes time," Davis said.

Nearby businesses hope the money comes back to the area, too, especially with the College World Series and U.S. Swim Trials coming up in less than a month.

"We get a lot of out of town businesses with hotels and conventions and stuff like that," said Ed Bokamper, of Passageway Gallery.

The city tells KETV NewsWatch 7 it hopes to push the fence back and open up at least part of the area near 11th and Howard to make it easier on drivers and visitors this summer.